The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Dec. 03, 2002
Filed:
Sep. 25, 2000
James A. Bauer, Gibsonia, PA (US);
Michael J. Metala, Murrysville, PA (US);
Charles C. Moore, Hibbs, PA (US);
George F. Dailey, Pittsburgh, PA (US);
Siemens Westinghouse Power Corporation, Orlando, FL (US);
Abstract
An inspection apparatus ( ) for remote inspection of the trepan radius area ( ) of the inlet sleeve ( ) of a steam turbine ( ). The apparatus ( ) provides a sealed volume ( ) between a pair of inflatable bladders ( ) for the introduction of a liquid couplant for the immersion of ultrasonic transducers ( ). A laser line generator ( ) generates a beam of light visible through camera ( ) which impinges upon the inlet bell seal ( ) when the apparatus ( ) is in a proper inspection position within the inlet sleeve ( ). Guide vanes ( ) provide centering and generate an insertion force during air assisted insertion of apparatus ( ). Transducers ( ) are indexed axially and circumfretially by the independent rotation of axial drive gear ( ) and longitudinal drive gear ( ) engaged with a pattern of gear teeth ( ) formed as a combination of circumferential spur gear teeth and axial rack gear teeth cut into a single surface of a spline shaft ( ).